Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-04 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Van Tanner Vice Chair Nancy De Luna Chair Sonia Campbell Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, Deputy City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Missy Wightman, Assistant Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Dash led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Aylaian stated the City Council met August 23, 2012, with two items of interest: 1) the consideration to award a state mandated update of the City's Housing Element to a local consultant. The City Council continued the item for further investigation because a letter was received just before the Council meeting from one of the respondents to the Request for Proposals; and 2) an informational report requesting direction concerning A-frame and pedestal signage. The City Council requested that the item be continued and that staff MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 meet with the El Paseo Business Improvement District, and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce to discuss signage. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of August 21, 2012. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Limont, second by DeLuna, and 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. Vll. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vill. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a non-profit organization to operate a bridge card-playing facility in a Planned Community Development located at 75-410 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 401, APN 694-160-004. Case No. CUP 12-233 (Coachella Valley Bridge Foundation, 74-836 Technology Drive, Palm Desert, Applicant). Ms. Missy Wightman, Assistant Planner, reported that the property is located on the north side of Gerald Ford Drive, between Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive. The zoning for the proposed facility is in a Planned Community Development and the General Plan designation is Industrial-Business Park. The adjacent zoning to the north are the City limits and Interstate 10, to the south is Planned Residential-5 that is currently vacant land, and to the east and west is Planned Community Development with vacant land as well. She described the project as a bridge card-playing facility. The Applicant is expanding and relocating from their previously approved location at 74-836 Technology Drive, and previously approved for a 221 maximum occupancy. Ms. Wightman presented the bridge card-playing occupancy and schedule. She stated that the Bridge Foundation has indicated that they generally occupy 50 to 70 percent of the presented schedule. They anticipate maximum occupancy of 332 in the high season when they have tournaments. The maximum hours would be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with no more than 10 persons conducting administrative work and clean-up present on-site during non-game hours. She displayed plans of the proposed facility. The Applicant is not proposing any exterior changes; only interior tenant 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 improvements. She said the Applicant would only occupy the first floor, and that there is a core facility in the middle for restrooms. Since there are a large number of occupants that could be on-site at one time, the Applicant would have access to the second floor restrooms. She noted that the second story is currently unoccupied. Ms. Wightman mentioned that the applicant has indicated that one parking space is required per two attendees (332/2 = 166). Staff did parking counts during morning and lunch hours, and there were typically 350 vacant standard stalls around the site, and 10 handicap stalls for a total of 360 vacant stalls. She stated that they did not conduct parking counts at night because most of the businesses are closed during evening hours. There are 441 unrestricted parking spaces throughout the center. Ms. Wightman mentioned that the Rock Church, which primarily operates on Sunday mornings when the bridge club would be closed, is located on-site. The church is permitted to have Wednesday evening services, but most adjacent businesses will be closed when the church and bridge club may be providing services simultaneously on Wednesdays only. Staff does not see that being a problem. She stated that a legal notice was published; staff received no comments in favor of or opposed to the project. She recommended to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2591, approving Conditional Use Permit 12-233, subject to conditions. Commissioner Connor Limont asked if the facility would only be on the first floor. Ms. Wightman replied yes. Commissioner Limont clarified that the applicant would need access to the second floor for the restrooms. Ms. Wightman responded that was correct. Commissioner Limont asked what would happen if another tenant occupies the second floor or are the restrooms openly accessible. Ms. Wightman said the restrooms are open, and the same goes for the first floor. If someone were to occupy the second floor, they also could access the restrooms on the first floor. Commissioner Limont inquired about the parking plan to be distributed to all tenants. Ms. Wightman responded that one of the conditions of approval is that the Applicant submit a parking plan prior to occupying the space so the landlord has control of parking before it becomes an issue. 3 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 Commissioner Limont asked in the event of an emergency, what is the evacuation plan and would it have to go through the Fire Marshal. She noted "W that she only sees two exits on the plan. Ms. Wightman said that the Applicant submits general plans just for the Conditional Use Permit. After they receive an approval, the applicant submits plans to the Building and Safety Department and the Fire Marshal. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked if any money would change hands or if there would be any gambling. If so, would that set precedence? Ms. Wightman replied that no gambling is allowed at their current location and no gambling would be allowed at the new location. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if a new tenant occupies the second floor, would there be enough parking for the bridge facility, the church, and potential new tenant for the second floor. Ms. Wightman said that it depends on what type of tenant occupies the second floor. If the tenant requires a large amount of parking, they would have to go through another conditional use permit process. As long as the bridge facility and Rock Church are still operating, they might not get approval due to the lack of parking spaces. too Commissioner DeLuna asked if the City would conceivably deny tenant occupancy based on the fact that the other tenants would be utilizing more parking spaces than they are entitled to. Ms. Wightman responded that staff attempts to ensure when there are vacant tenant spaces on site that there is still enough parking for them to utilize. They do not want one tenant occupying the whole parking lot. Commissioner DeLuna asked if staff feels it would not be an issue if another tenant were to occupy the second floor. Ms. Wightman answered yes. She explained that currently there are 360 parking stalls on-site that have been vacant on a regular basis. If each person drove in individually, there would be a few parking stalls left. Staff does not anticipate each person driving to the bridge facility individually in 332 separate cars during their highest use times. Chair Campbell declared the public hearing open and invited the Applicant to address the Commission on this matter, followed by any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. 4 G\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 Ms. Beverly Hartin, President of the Coachella Valley Bridge Foundation, 29 Toscana Way, Rancho Mirage, stated that they have been operating for two years in Palm Desert. The location was chosen because of its proximity to Sun City, which has a lot of bridge players, and it is centrally located. They have been treated well by the City, and they are happy to stay in Palm Desert for as long as they can. Ms. Hartin also stated that she invited the owner of the adjacent vacant land. The owner offered to provide parking on the vacant land if parking became an issue. Commissioner Dash commented that bridge is popular among retirees, and asked if they have plans to involve the youth. Ms. Hardin responded they had a bridge class for fifth and sixth graders at a Palm Springs charter school. They had to keep the class limited because they did not have enough teachers. They plan to invite the parents and students to the bridge facility for tournaments so they can see how they operate. Commissioner Limont asked how many current players are there. Ms. Hardin stated they had four tables today (48 players). In season, January through April they have 50 tables (200 players), and have to turn people away at their current location at least twice a week. She does not foresee going over 220 players for a couple of years. Commissioner Limont asked how many tournaments are held a year. Ms. Hardin responded that maybe once or twice but never more than twice. Chair Campbell inquired if they would reach 332 at one time. Ms. Hardin replied that she would hope so, but realistically that is very unlikely. Mr. Frank Sator, 75-400 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 125, stated that he is the owner and developer of the bridge facility site, and they also own the 12 acres to the south. He hopes that the building works for them. The location might not be ideal, but they hope to build a building for the bridge players once they have their occupancy up. Chair Campbell inquired if Mr. Sator would put something in writing that they would be able to park on the adjacent land. Mr. Sator responded that he could put it in writing. With no further testimony offered, Chair Campbell declared the public hearing closed. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.dou MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 Commissioner Limont voiced her concerns with parking. Commissioner Dash commented that the owner has committed to provide parking on the adjacent land; he is comfortable that the owner will live up to what he promises. Commissioner Tanner agreed. He mentioned that the Planning Commission had concerns when they requested approval for the location on Technology Way, and the group developed a relationship with the hotel next door. They have the same concern here, but the owner is willing to provide additional parking. He stated that he would motion and move forward with staff's recommendation. Commissioner DeLuna stated she would like to amend the motion for Mr. Sator submit in writing approval to use off site or overflow parking at another location, if necessary. Commissioner Dash concurred with Commissioner DeLuna's amendment. Chair Campbell stated that she does not have a concern with parking. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the motion includes the parking plan as stated in the staff report. Chair Campbell responded that the parking plan is included in the Conditions of Approval. Commissioner Tanner moved for approval subject to amending the conditions that Mr. Frank Sator, the owner, submit in writing that the applicant may use off site or overflow parking on the adjacent vacant land. Motion was seconded by Limont and carried by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Tanner moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2591 approving Conditional Use Permit 12-233, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Limont and carried by a 5-0 vote. Chair Campbell congratulated the Applicant and thanked them for staying in Palm Desert. IX. MISCELLANEOUS None W.. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES WW A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION Commissioner Tanner reported the Aquatic Center is ahead approximately 10 percent as far as cost recovery. For the next year, they are looking at developing more programs to increase revenues. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the College of the Desert uses the Aquatic Center for classes. Commissioner Tanner responded that the College of the Desert contributed $1 million to assist finance and fund the Aquatic Center. They utilize the pool as part of their curriculum. XI. COMMENTS Ms. Aylaian commented that staff believes there will be a Planning Commission meeting on September 18. XII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Campbell, second by DeLuna, and 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission, Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. SONIA CAMPBELL, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETA PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION ice.. 7 G\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2012\Minutes\9-4-12 min.docx